Chapter 355: Chapter 355

January 10th, Sunday. Light Snow. It was already the coldest time of the year. Looking outside the window, sleet was falling from the sky, and a misty white fog was rising from the streets.

Cold weather, and it was Sunday too. After returning to Saffron City from Modu, Lu Ye had no intention of going out. He was half-reclining on the sofa, reading a book. His gaze moved across the lines of small print, and just a bit lower, a pink ribbon came into view. Sylveon leaned half against his chest, back facing him, reading along.

Lu Ye knew Gengar could read. As for the kitty? He wasn’t sure... He chuckled to himself and moved the book slightly farther away, just in case the little one developed nearsightedness. “Bui~!” Sylveon pawed at his arm with her soft little pad. Just when it was getting good — why pull it away?

“It’s not even a picture book…” Lu Ye stroked the fur along her back, and the little one stretched her forelegs with a soft sigh. “Bui~~” Even though standing on his chest felt a bit suffocating... She was cute, and that made it all okay!

Winter in Kanto was cold and damp — even thick clothes didn’t help much. The upper body was okay, but feet got cold easily. Good thing the doggo was lying close by.

Lu Ye rested his feet in Arcanine’s warm mane and smiled in pure contentment. “Awooo~ (O_o)??” Arcanine tilted his head, a big question mark over his face. I may not be human, but you’re really pushing it!

Fire-type Pokémon had the risk of fire, sure — but in winter, camping, or travel, their advantages were obvious. Tell me, what Trainer wouldn’t want to camp with their Pokémon? Build a campfire, listen to the crackle of burning logs, and gaze up at a star-filled sky. Now that Doggo had evolved from a Husky into a chonky Alaskan, the warm and fuzzy vibes were off the charts. Or maybe the Husky just went into hibernation for the winter...

Lu Ye yawned, adjusted into a comfier position. “Bui~” Sylveon lightly leapt down and trotted off to run on the treadmill. Lu Ye flipped a few more pages, then pulled out his phone to scroll through the group chat.

“In winter, the Seafoam Islands are a great place to train — you guys should give it a try.” That was Aunt Lorelei, recommending a Kanto training dungeon.

“The Bell Tower has monks doing winter training. Gold could try there,” said Yellow. “Ooh! Perfect, I’ll go there!”

Lu Ye blinked. Was it really fine to grind such low-level dungeons?

Lance sighed: “Too cold… don’t feel like working overtime...” Green was troubled too: “Don’t want to manage the Gym... Might as well let my Pokémon handle challengers.” Red: “Come to Mt. Silver?” Green: “Sure.”

Lu-sensei silently lurked. So this is how the big names chat, huh?

If Bell Tower was a beginner’s dungeon, then Mt. Silver must be hell mode! As winter arrived, Lance — the Dragon and Flying-type Champion with a 4x Ice weakness — sighed deeply and kept cracking down on crime. Aunt Lorelei, on the other hand, was thriving — off to spectate the Champion’s Cup at the Sevii Islands.

The Sevii Islands were the anime’s version of the Orange Archipelago, supposedly home to Lugia and the Legendary Birds. In the side stories, Legendary Pokémon didn’t seem to have much screen presence. But thinking of Ash’s Ultimate Rookie physique, Lu Ye let it go.

By noon, the snow was still falling gently outside. Lu Ye stood up and opened the window — a breath of crisp, cold air rushed in.

“Gengar,” Lu Ye called. “Gengaa?” Lu Ye glanced toward the potted plant by the window — those leek leaves were a lush green, the stalks white and tender as jade.

“How about hot pot for lunch?”

Of course, he wouldn’t really use the Leek as the soup base. Even if it smelled amazing and would taste great with dipping sauce, it was still Duck Duck’s exclusive item.

“Quaaack~(:3」∠)” Sirfetch’d was lying on the carpet, pondering duck-life, blissfully unaware he had just dodged a crisis. So tired~ No training today~ Forget it. I’ll train tomorrow~ Even if you don’t do anything, making decisions is exhausting.

Sirfetch’d nodded to himself and closed his eyes with satisfaction.

“Let’s go buy hot pot ingredients.” Lu Ye plucked a few feathers. “Quack…” Sirfetch’d yawned, picked up his Leek and shield, and his eyes turned sharp in an instant.

Target: Supermarket. Full force advance!

There was a large supermarket near the villa district.

“Blastoise…” The turtle brewed hot water, then poured a cup of hot tea. The bitter Revival Root tea could restore near-fainting status. “Blastoise…” he gently blew away the steam.

Lu Ye twitched his lips. Turtle bro… you’re at full HP and still popping medicine? Or maybe cold air counted as magical damage and required a stamina boost?

“All right then… Blastoise, you’re on home duty.” With his Aura affinity and reliable personality, Blastoise was the perfect house-sitter.

Lu Ye called, “Togepi, wanna come?”

Upon hearing her name, Togepi, mid-video chat with Mew, waved goodbye and ran toward Lu Ye with tiny feet. “Togepi Duuuiヾ(◍°∇°◍)ﾉﾞ” I’m coming

In the end, Lu Ye had Arcanine on his left, Sylveon on his right, Gengar floating behind him carrying Togepi in his arms.

“Quack!” Sirfetch’d stood at the front, Leek raised like a sword, pointing at the supermarket. “Let’s go,” Lu Ye smiled. Once they reached the store, he’d return them to their Poké Balls. He really enjoyed being accompanied by his Pokémon on the journey.

“Blastoise! ヾ(⌐■_■)” Right at that moment, Blastoise sensed a familiar aura and held up a hand to stop them. The click of high heels echoed at the front door.

“Clack—” The key turned. A blonde beauty stepped inside, wearing a fur-lined black coat and black hair clip. Her delicate face peeked through her golden bangs, and her pink lips exhaled white mist. She looked up, gray eyes gazing curiously at Lu Ye. “Heading out?”

Lu Ye nodded, surprised. “You’re done with work?” “Can’t I come back if I’m not done?” Cynthia countered. “Of course you can.”

Lu Ye noticed the snowflakes on Cynthia’s shoulder. “Just in time. I missed you too.” “Take out the ‘too.’” “Really?” “…”

Cynthia walked inside, took off her coat and hung it by the door, revealing her black sweater and elegant figure. “If you don’t want to take it out, that’s fine too,” she whispered. “Gengaa!” Gengar took the coat and steamed it with care.

Cynthia sat on the sofa, resting her chin on one hand, gazing silently at Lu Ye. “You’re just in time,” Lu Ye sighed. “I was about to head out.” “Where to?” Cynthia asked.

“Uh… to the supermarket for groceries. Planning to have hot pot for lunch.” Cynthia’s long lashes fluttered, her eyes lighting up. Lu Ye: “If you want to come, let’s go together.”

Cynthia beamed. “Gengar, bring my black coat from the room.” “Gengaa!” “It’s cold. Bundle up.”

Cynthia nodded and gave him a serious look. “Why aren’t you wearing the outfit I gave you last time?” “It’s too expensive. I couldn’t bring myself to.” “Put it on. I’ll just buy you another.” “Got it.”

The wool coat fit snugly — latest style, lined with a high-collar cashmere sweater. Lu Ye looked at himself in the full-length mirror and nodded with satisfaction. Another day, another moment of being dazzled by his own charm!

Before heading out, Lu Ye asked, “Won’t you be recognized?” “There’s a self-checkout store nearby,” Cynthia said, shaking her sunglasses. Still… that blonde hair wasn’t exactly subtle.

But it was a semi-public secret anyway. The Sinnoh Champion’s shyness — understandable!

Rain and snow fell gently, fog shrouded the street. He could have Arcanine use Sunny Day, but then the two of them wouldn’t be able to share an umbrella.

The wind was biting. Turning slightly, Lu Ye could see Cynthia’s pinkish earlobe. Their bodies were close; their hands brushed unconsciously.

“I want to hold hands,” Lu Ye said. “Just want to?” “Sorry — I really, really want to!”

Cynthia smiled faintly and reached out to hold his hand. “No funny thoughts.” “Sorry, that’s not gonna happen… oof…” It was cold outside, yet her palm was warm. Might end up with bruises from her grip though.

They arrived at the unmanned supermarket. Picking ingredients, checking prices, self-checkout. Bouncy shrimp, fresh cabbage, all kinds of meatballs and cuts.

Cynthia pondered for half an hour before picking a box of ice cream. Lu Ye also spent ages in the veggie section — finally grabbing a bundle of Leeks. Better than raiding the potted plant!

“This goes great grilled with chicken.” “There’s barbecue too?” Cynthia’s eyes lit up. “Whatever you want, we’ve got it.”

A kind old lady in a uniform was restocking shelves. Clunk— “Gengaa!” Gengar picked up a fallen can and handed it to her. “Oh, thank you,” she smiled warmly. “Gengaa…” Gengar scratched his head shyly.

Togepi was playing hide-and-seek with Sirfetch’d. “Quack?” Sirfetch’d peeked out from hiding — only to see Togepi staring longingly at the chips section. “Quack!” Sirfetch’d got it. He reached out his Leek and nudged a bag of chips down. “Togepi Duui~(ﾉ´▽｀)ﾉ♪” Togepi hugged the chips, grinning ear to ear.

“All right, no chips. We’re having hot pot.” Lu Ye picked up Togepi, who kicked her tiny legs in protest. The chips slipped out — Cynthia caught them and handed them back. “It’s just chips. She won’t get stuffed.” Cynthia rolled her eyes. “...You’re spoiling her!”

Togepi could use Psychic, technically. But Lu Ye had told them — no moves in the store. So they behaved.

“Bui~” Sylveon stuck by Lu Ye’s side, ribbon wrapped around his arm. Whether Lu-sensei was holding Sylveon, or Sylveon was holding Lu-sensei, was up to interpretation.

Payment complete, they walked out with bags in hand. Cynthia naturally took one of the bags, then grabbed his hand to help him avoid the slushy puddles.

Snow layered both sides of the road. At some point, the snow had stopped, and a jet’s white trail split the sky in two.

Returning home, Blastoise carefully scanned the aura. “Blastoise…” Only after confirming did he retract his prepped Hydro Cannon.

Lu Ye opened the door — and saw two glowing metal tubes aimed at him. He broke into a cold sweat. “Lucario…” Cynthia’s Lucario exchanged signals with Blastoise, confused. How come… after just a few days, this human felt… so familiar?

Lucario glanced at Lu Ye and cleared his throat. Must be a mistake!

“Gengaaa~ (¯﹃¯)” Gengar wiggled his butt while washing vegetables, drooling like mad. Hot pot time~!

The dining table was long and rectangular. While a few Pokémon couldn’t sit comfortably, most gathered round.

Cynthia helped with plating. Rich aromas wafted from the kitchen as the broth simmered.

“Soup base is ready. Just dip in whatever you want.” Lu Ye wiped his hands on his apron and called out, “Chow time!!”

“Awooo~” “Quack!” “Kachaa!” “Togepi Duui~” The little ones, eyes glowing green, crowded around the table, gulping down drool.

“There’s barbecue after this too,” Lu Ye chuckled. “Take your time.” Crisp veggies glistened with dew, hot pot bubbling away, delicious scents filling the house.

Cynthia inhaled deeply, pressed her hands together with a soft smile: “Let’s eat!”

Through the steam, Cynthia’s face was tinged pink. “Huu…” She tucked her golden hair behind her ear and blew softly, then looked at Lu Ye with gray eyes. He glanced back, catching the smile in her gaze.

“What is it?” Lu Ye asked. “Nothing,” Cynthia replied with a smile, her eyes curving into crescents.

Sirfetch’d tearfully picked up his chopsticks and dipped a Leek leaf into the hot pot. “Quack??” Tasted… surprisingly good?

After lunch came a quiet afternoon. “Gengaaa~” Gengar floated off to clean up.

Lu Ye and Cynthia were in the living room, playing co-op games.

“Is it really okay to slack off and play games?” Lu Ye asked nervously. “Just waiting for you to take over my job,” Cynthia replied with a grin.

Lu Ye stroked his chin. His work at Yuhong University would wrap after winter break. Maybe a trip to Sinnoh after New Year’s would be nice.

“It’s the weekend anyway.” Cynthia stretched her arms, emphasizing her figure beneath the sweater, and asked curiously: “What’s your plan for the next few days?”

Lu Ye paused. “Probably… heading to Galar soon.”

He gave a rough explanation. Cynthia nodded thoughtfully. “I’ll go too.” “Huh?”

“I’ll leave Sinnoh League matters to Wu Song for now,” Cynthia said. “Your business is more important.” “…You just want to slack off, don’t you?”

Cynthia smiled faintly, a little embarrassed.

As evening approached, the snowfall outside grew heavier. Indoors, it was warm as spring.

A full afternoon of gaming had clearly taken its toll. Lu Ye let out a long yawn.

“Let’s play more tomorrow.” “Nope. One more match!”